How to Grow & Winterize Impatiens

By Desirae Roy ; Updated September 21, 2017

Prized for shade tolerance and a wide array of brightly colored blossom shades and attractive foliage, impatiens are typically annuals that will die off at first frost to complete their life cycle. However, in some temperate winter climate zones, impatiens may re-seed themselves and return in the spring for another season. These carefree, pretty bedding plants are sure bet for success in any garden.

Choose a location for impatiens with excellent drainage and in part shade. Full sun may decrease foliage size and lessen bloom count. If you are planting under trees, be aware that the impatiens must compete with trees or shrubs planted nearby for moisture and food. Mounding the soil for a partially-raised bed around trees may be a solution to this problem.

Prepare the soil by adding 1 to 2 inches of organic compost, such as well-rotted manure, over the bed. Mix well for improved drainage and a slow release of nutrients for the impatiens over time.

Plant impatiens starts 8 to 18 inches apart. Tall species will typically require more space between plants than the more compact varieties. Leggy plants will result from crowding the starts together.

Water the starts well and keep the soil moist throughout the growing season. Avoid watering over the foliage and blooms, as this practice encourages disease spread. Do not allow water to pool around the plants.

Fertilize once per month with a liquid mix applied to the surrounding soil. Blooms may die back in the hottest part of the summer, but return when the cooler fall temperatures set in.

Mulch around the impatiens for improved moisture retention and to deter weeds. As the plants die back in the fall, remove dead foliage and litter, and re-apply mulch over the plants. If your variety is self-seeding and your climate temperate enough, you may see new starts come up in the spring.

Things You Will Need

Impatiens starts

Trowel

Organic compost

Organic mulch

Liquid fertilizer

References

About the Author

Desirae Roy began writing in 2009. After earning certification as an interpreter for the deaf, Roy earned a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Eastern Washington University. Part of her general studies included a botany course leading to a passion for the natural world.